Can you get good food out of a crockpot / slowcooker?

[Asher]

Originally posted by GePap


I regulalrly cook things in regular pots for four hours (hell, I make my own chicken stock at home), but as Rah said, with a regular pot you can tinker, add more liquid or condiments as necessary.

And I couldn't care what your little poll says.

I cook most things in a pot. Some things in a crockpot. It's all about knowing when to use each appliance. Something you've no idea about.

I'm sorry you're too stupid and stubborn to figure out what everyone else here knows. We all know you don't care what everyone in the real world knows -- you've got your own reality.

[Zkribbler]

Originally posted by GePap


Maybe its because the lowest setting for most ovens is equal to the highest possible setting in a crockpot, and it is not wise to leave an oven on for say eight hours?

That's why you use a crockpot.

[GePap]

Originally posted by Asher

I cook most things in a pot. Some things in a crockpot. It's all about knowing when to use each appliance. Something you've no idea about.

I'm sorry you're too stupid and stubborn to figure out what everyone else here knows. We all know you don't care what everyone in the real world knows -- you've got your own reality.

Are you the queen or something, since when do you speak about yourself in the royal "we"?

I have no need for more stuff to clutter then kitchen when the tools I already have work as well and give me more control to get the exact result I want.

[rah]

Originally posted by GePap
Maybe its because the lowest setting for most ovens is equal to the highest possible setting in a crockpot, and it is not wise to leave an oven on for say eight hours?

I don't put pots in the oven. Pans yes, but not pots.
There are many things I'll simmer on the range for mulitple hours but that's usually sauces and such that need constant attention.

Crock pots are king for pot roasts. 8 hours of cooking allows even some bad/cheap cuts of meat to come out flakey and delicious. And it takes almost no prep time. 10 minutes and you're done. If I cook in an oven or over the stove it requires constant attention.

[Patroklos]

In all its delicious glory...

[GePap]

You can braise those cuts in half that time and get them just as juicy and delicious.

And putting cast iron pots in the oven is a pretty good method - the heat is uniformly applied from all sides as opposed to having one heat source. Of course, one has to be careful, as not all pots are meant to be used that way.

[rah]

I always lay the food in differently them most people.
Lowest layer is the meat, followed by the potatos and then the vegies on the top. (If I'm going to be around, i'll wait to throw on the vegies/onions till a few hours have passed, but it's not necessary.) That and a cup of water with a bullion cube and a little salt and pepper and you're done.

[Patroklos]

You can braise those cuts in half that time and get them just as juicy and delicious.

You can braise them for four hours if you want, I am not sure why you would want to do a hell of a lot more work for the same result (and no stewed vegetables )

I always lay the food in differently them most people.
Lowest layer is the meat, followed by the potatos and then the vegies on the top. (If I'm going to be around, i'll wait to throw on the vegies/onions till a few hours have passed, but it's not necessary.) That and a cup of water with a bullion cube and a little salt and pepper and you're done.

Why couldn't we have started this thread before I went home for lunch so I could have thrown a roast on?

[Asher]

Originally posted by GePap
Are you the queen or something, since when do you speak about yourself in the royal "we"?

I just have the apparently rare gift of common sense, with most people here share except for you.

[Japher]

I don't think that using a crockpot makes you a bad chef, but it doesn't make you a good one either if what you put in it turns out good. The crockpot "details" are in the design of the cooking vessel and the simplicity of the recipes. This is great if you don't have much time and would still like a hot meal in 4-8 hours.

At one time I had over 3 crockpots. The only thing I really use them for is roasts, stews, and to keep nacho cheese dips warm. Still, if I have the time I will cook these things (not the cheese) in my dutch oven instead. However, the dutch oven gets hotter and is therefor less of a set it and forget it.

IMO, cooking does require attention to details. However, for some cooking/recipes certain details are more important and the lesser details can even be ignored when using certain techniques.

[rah]

Originally posted by Japher

IMO, cooking does require attention to details. However, for some cooking/recipes certain details are more important and the lesser details can even be ignored when using certain techniques.

Agreed. I'm considered a decent cook because I pay attention to details. However, when I cook with a crock pot I don't even taste it while it's cooking, but I know that by experience I don't have to, and it's going to come out tasty.

[Aeson]

How about a microwave? Can you get good food out of that?

[Japher]

I think GIGO is a universal policy.

On "No Reservations" last night they were in Spain and he was at some very posh restaurant that speciallized in gormet deserts. Bourdain hailed the chef there as one of the best in the world, and some of the things he was doing what quite interesting. One thing the guy did was make sponge cake in the microwave in 30 seconds. Bourdain was all "Oh, so you're putting that in the oven," and the Spaniard is all "No, the microwave." Bourdain 'bout crapped his pants.

Doubtful that they serve crap.

[GePap]

Originally posted by Aeson
How about a microwave? Can you get good food out of that?

The microwave is the best method to steam certain vegetables like say Asparagus.

[Asher]

Thirteen to one now...